I'm Finally Calling Out the Cultural Appropriation of Yoga

In this practice

Key teachings

• Authenticity and traditional roots of yoga
• Cultural appreciation vs. appropriation in yoga
• The spiritual and cultural significance of yoga

Ideal for

• Yoga practitioners and teachers
• Individuals interested in cultural studies and ethics
• Anyone seeking a deeper understanding of yoga's cultural context

Lesson

Instructions

Yoga is so important to me.

It’s one of the most beautiful spiritual and mindfulness practices, and I love how it grounds me in my body, connects me with my cultural roots — my parents are immigrants from India, which for those of you who don’t know, is the country where yoga originated — and helps me live a healthier, more balanced life.

Yoga has been part of my spiritual practice for years, and I’m even a trained yoga teacher, so seeing yoga be watered down by fitness “gurus” in the US, Canada, and the UK makes my blood boil.

“Body pump yoga” isn’t yoga! Neither is “booty sculpt yoga”! It’s cultural appropriation, and I’m calling it out.

In this #RituTalks video, I share my thoughts on how we can reclaim the traditional and cultural roots of yoga in a respectful and authentic way and continue to spread the messages of yoga globally.

Watch now!

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Ritu Bhasin, LL.B. MBA, is an internationally recognized expert in diversity and leadership development, the Founder and CEO of leading diversity and inclusion-focused consulting firm bhasin consulting inc., and the author of The Authenticity Principle: Resist Conformity, Embrace Differences, and Transform How You Live, Work, and Lead. Inspired by her own journey to overcome racist childhood bullying, Bhasin now teaches globally on how to live, work, and lead in an empowered and inclusive way.

In a society that pushes conformity, how can you courageously choose to be who you really are — with yourself, in your relationships, and at work — despite the fear of judgment? The Authenticity Principle shows you how.

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Steps

• Critical analysis of modern yoga trends
• Discussion of yoga's historical and cultural context
• Strategies for respectful engagement with cultural practices

Benefits

• Increased awareness of yoga's origins and true meaning
• Deeper understanding of cultural appropriation
• Promotion of authentic and respectful yoga practices
• Encourages ethical engagement with diverse traditions